Former Allman Brothers Guitarist ‘Dangerous’ Dan Toler Dies

Dan Toler, a southern rock guitar great who was part of the Allman Brothers Band family, has died near his hometown of Sarasota, Fla. He was 65.

A note on his official Facebook page reads, "It is with great regret and sadness that our dear friend and loved one, Dan Toler, passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. Future service to be announced. Please keep Debbie and the family in your prayers. We would also ask at this time that you would respect the family's privacy. The Toler family thanks you for all your love and support." Many fans have taken to his Facebook page and Twitter to express their condolences.

In 2011, Toler was diagnosed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as "Lou Gehrig’s disease." Since then, many benefits were held to help pay for his medical bills and to raise awareness of the disease, which affects the central nervous system and makes it difficult for the muscles to receive messages from the brain.

Toler, known as "Dangerous Dan," got his start with Dickey Betts & Great Southern, playing on their 1977 self-titled debut and 'Atlanta's Burning Down' a year later. When the Allman Brothers Band reformed in 1979, Toler followed Betts into the band and stayed until 1982. Following the second breakup of the Allman Brothers Band, he went on the road with the Gregg Allman Band, recording the hit 'I'm No Angel' and 'Just Before the Bullets Fly.'

From there, he went on to play in several southern rock and jazz fusion project. His last album was in the Toler/Townsend Band, which included John Townsend of the Sanford-Townsend Band ('Smoke From a Distant Fire').

Toler's brother, David 'Frankie' Toler, also an Allman Brothers alumni, passed away on June 4, 2011 at the age of 59 from complications after a liver transplant.